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We were told that the hotels in Chittaurgarh weren't too good
and so we drove down the 112 kms from Udaipur to see India's
largest fort and the ultimate symbol of Rajput chivalry and pride.
Hundred and thousands of soldiers have laid down their lives for
this fort and as many women have commited Jauhar (mass
self-sacrifice in a sacred fire to escape dishonour from the
enemies).
The ascent to this awesome hill fort is by a torturous winding
road defended by seven fortified gateways with each turn of the
road having a legend of the sacrifice of a brave soldier.
Particularly touching are the cenotaphs of two teenaged Rajput
chieftains Jaimal and Patta who led the fortress' defence against
the might of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
An outstanding feature of the fort is the Vijaysthambha
(Tower of Victory) Profusely carved with images of gods and
godesses, this nine-storied architectural masterpiece is visible
from the plains below for miles around.
But THE most outstanding feature is the fort itself. The stark
no-frills palaces stand out in sharp contrast to the opulence of
Jaipur's Amber Palace, for generations
of Chittaur's rulers spent all their money in preparing for the
next battle.
Chittaur's blood-soaked earth silently screams a long history of
valour, chivalry and glorious death.
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